By Avery Chalk

Amid busy summer schedules, it can be difficult to find the time (or money) to plan, pack, and travel to extravagant vacation spots. Weekend getaways are the perfect opportunity to add diversity to a mundane routine - and there are a multitude of local spots around Franklin to try.

1. North Conway, New Hampshire is one spot that has something for everyone. Diana’s Baths, a hiking trail that also boasts natural rock formations and waterfalls, is one local spot refreshing enough to battle humid New England summers. Storyland and Santa’s Village are also close drives, and provide another fun way to get outside, enjoy a cooling log flume ride, (or two!) and spend time with family. In addition, shopping in Settlers Crossing Outlets or at breweries such as Moat Mountain cater to more adult customers. With several amenities, minutes away, North Conway is the perfect place for travelers of all ages. 

2. For many, nothing compares to the rugged coast of Maine - and Ogunquit resides at the very heart of this beautiful area. Travelers here will enjoy Marginal Way, Perkins Cove, and a vibrant town center as they discover the ocean along the many coves and beaches that dot the landscape. With a great selection of restaurants, ice cream shops and unique storefronts, this area has it all. 

3. In the heart of the Adirondacks and a few short hours away, Lake Placid, New York is truly a hidden gem for all seasons, offering a taste of American history, as well as a unique itinerary. Fall in love once again with winter as you visit the many attractions from the 1980 Olympic Games such as the ski jump complex, Mount Van Hoevenberg, which houses the Bobsled Experience, Skeleton Experience and Cliffside Coaster and Whiteface Mountain. In addition, you can enjoy a toboggan run, ice skating, and countless shops and restaurants located in the quaint town center, nestled along Mirror Lake. In warmer weather, outdoor activities abound, revolving along the lake and mountains - sceneries that truly do not exist anywhere else. 

4. Well known to many around Franklin already, the seaside town of Newport is a must-visit attraction that is approximately one hour away. Whether you are exploring the mansions, visiting the many beaches, or hiking along the Cliff Walk, there is so much to discover. With a wide variety of shops, restaurants, bars, and even a winery to choose from, this is an oceanfront destination that has something for everyone. 

5. Finally, Mystic, Connecticut, only a few hours away, is another semi-local gem. Their acclaimed aquarium has some of the only Beluga whales in the entirety of New England, as well as other rare creatures that make for exciting aquatic education. Boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, and other water sports are also available that allow individuals (and their families) to tour the area themselves. 

For weekends when Franklin seems positively dull, any of these five destinations, true gems of the North, will supply you (and your family) with fun for days.